Muslim leaders may hold key to counter-terrorism bid

Words cannot express the hurt and pain the Mandera terror attack has left on families and friends of the victims of this heinous crime. Indeed the nation has been left helplessly dismayed by this barbaric attack on innocent Kenyans.

Our heartfelt condolences go to every bereaved family. May the God of Heaven who alone sees and understands your pain, grant you grace and fortitude to face the days ahead. May He also grant you the unusual strength to forgive the perpetrators of this evil act – it is your only hope.

Much has been said and theories proffered on what should be done to stem this tide of terror. Unfortunately, none has yielded any tangible results.

Indeed few, if any, of the terror attacks has ever landed anybody in jail. What is sad, though, is that the continued open declaration by most of the terrorists to be on a religious mission against members of other faiths, is quickly eroding the myth of Islam as a religion of peace. Though Muslim leaders have often come out in defence of the religion and understandably isolated the attackers as mere criminals, it requires more and more faith to believe that script.

This is especially so when Kenyans continue to be slaughtered for no plausible reason. In many cases, the only crime they have committed is to be at the right place at the wrong time – when these agents of hell strike. But even worse, has been the criminal profiling of non-Muslims for targeted murder, whether in places of worship or in public places.

Enough has been said by church leaders about the apparent laxity in Government when it comes to apprehending attackers of Christians.

In all incidents spreading over more than 10 years, no suspect has ever been apprehended and successfully tried. Thus, as many have pointed out, the tough talk and rhetoric have become routine and hollow, leaving many deeply enraged. Unfortunately, though not openly voiced, this rage is boiling against Islam, whether rightly or wrongly. It is the opinion of many that something has gone drastically wrong in this religion of peace. The face of radical Islam seems to have replaced that of genuine adherents pursuing eternal values through the worship of Allah. Where then lies the solution?

It is sad but the Muslim fraternity has been nonchalant in their support to Government in the fight against terrorism. When the counter-terrorism Bill was tabled in Parliament many years ago, they fought it tooth and nail until it was totally diluted. Whenever terror suspects have been arrested, this religious community has often come out in strong public defence demanding their unconditional release.

When the Government attempted to rid parts of the city and nation of illegal aliens who could be harbouring criminals, it was accused of religious and racial profiling.

When mosques were recently raided by security forces and several young people with incriminating paraphernalia arrested, key Muslim leaders, and especially the Muslims for human Rights (Muhuri) were at hand to castigate the Government for high-handedness, and defilement of places of worship.

Sadly, however, such passion is rarely seen when innocent Kenyans are massacred. This could be sending wrong signals about the faith. And as more families get affected by terror attacks, there is real fear that Muslims could inadvertently be isolating themselves from the rest of Kenyans.

Which begs the question: Are Muslim leaders completely oblivious of the goings on in their mosques and among their followers? Whichever way you answer that question, it raises fundamental issues of leadership.

I am in total agreement with Muslim leaders that we cannot win ideological warfare through the barrel of the gun. But this applies both ways. What is therefore becoming increasingly apparent is that the defeat of the current trend of terrorism requires the collective action of more than just Government agencies. On the one hand, terrorists and their activities need to be identified before they act.

On the other, the causes of acts of terrorism need to be addressed among the youth, especially within the religion. Radicalisation must be shunned and peaceful means of sorting out issues instilled. In this regard, the Muslim fraternity and especially their leaders, can and should play a critical role.

It is unfortunate that most terrorists have hidden behind the veil of religion. Their activities must not only be exposed but disowned by their Muslim families, faithfuls, and especially by Islamic leaders. This will call for a paradigm shift within the religion.

Leaders must be careful not to offer protection to criminals hiding behind the shield of faith. Instead, the sword of justice must be allowed to penetrate the apostate hearts and reveal them for who they are – bloodthirsty delinquents.